Glossary of Art Terms: H

hatching

The engraving, etching or drawing of closely spaced fine lines to give the effect of shadow.

heirloom

An object of value, which is passed down through generations and treasured.

highlight

In the art and graphics world, the word highlight is used to describe the most luminous tone used to model three-dimensional form. It's the sparkle on a shiny object, like the human eye or the reflection of a window on an apple. In sculpture, in order to simulate a highlight in the eye, material is left intact while the pupil area is hewn out.

hexagon

A symmetrical six-sided polygon. The hexagon form has some rather peculiar mathematical characteristics and is utilized extensively in nature. Hexagon canvases are commercially available and offer the artist an interesting new format with opportunity for very unique compositions.Interestingly, a hexagon can be used to create an isometric view of a cube. This is the basis of Curtis Verdun's Cube Paintings. He also produces a series of Hexagon Paintings highlighting the unique qualities offered by such a format.

hydrostone

Basically a mixture of plaster of Paris (90%), Portland cement (5%) and crystalline silica (5%) andoften referred to as Hydro-Stone Gypsum Cement. Hydrostone is a U.S. gypsum product which is considerably harder than plaster of Paris alone. It is widely used for

casting

sculpture

because of its ability to reproduce fine details yet provide great strength.